Thalassemia Patients and Friends

Discussion Forums => Living with Thalassemia => Topic started by: Bostonian_04 on February 23, 2012, 06:44:23 PM

Title: SQUID and Cardiac MRI or any one test during comprehensive check up
Post by: Bostonian_04 on February 23, 2012, 06:44:23 PM
Andy, Sharmin,

We will be taking our daughter for comprehensive checkup in Oakland. Her SQUID appointment is setup. Today we got an email from the coordinator asking if we want to setup the Cardiac MRI as well. Does both needs to be done? Isn't SQUID give info on both cardiac and Liver iron? Let me know what yyour thought is. I don't want to unnecessary get 2 tests done if not needed. More so as Cardiac MRI involves anaesthesia for our little one.
Title: Re: SQUID and Cardiac MRI or any one test during comprehensive check up
Post by: Sharmin on February 23, 2012, 08:23:40 PM
Bostonian,

It is important to get both SQUID and cardiac MRI.  SQUID will only give you iron levels in the liver not the heart.  The MRI (T2*) will give you valuable information regarding iron in the heart and heart function.  I don't know if I ever got back to you regarding tests to be done before going to Oakland, I am so sorry as life has been extremely busy.  Dru is usually very good at providing a full list of labs and tests that they require.  Along with the labs they like to have an echo, visual and hearing tests done in the weeks before you go. 

Let me know if I can provide you with any other information,

best of luck,

Sharmin
Title: Re: SQUID and Cardiac MRI or any one test during comprehensive check up
Post by: Bostonian_04 on February 23, 2012, 11:00:44 PM
Sharni, Thank you so much for your reply. This really helps....